shader delivery Archives

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Microsoft to eliminate shader wait times in PC games

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) technology to address lengthy shader compilation times for PC gamers. The ASD technology generates a Pre-compiled Shader Database (PSDB) from a Shader Object State Database (SODB), allowing for faster game startups by eliminating the need for local compilation. Since integrating ASD into its software development kit (SDK), Microsoft has achieved an 85% reduction in launch times for the game Avowed. NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm are also set to support ASD in their hardware. Additionally, Microsoft has updated its API to allow developers to upload pre-compiled shaders through the Xbox Partner Center, starting with the Xbox app on PC.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Microsoft DirectX Gears Up For ML Era On Windows, Advanced Shader Delivery Solves Game Stutter & Load Times, DXR 2.0 Teased

At GDC 2026, Microsoft announced the introduction of ML-Powered DirectX and Advanced Shader Delivery. The ML-enhanced DirectX includes Cooperative Vectors within Shader Model 6.9, facilitating neural rendering techniques such as Neural Texture Compression and Neural Radiance Caching. DirectX Linear Algebra is introduced to support matrix-based ML workflows, and the DirectX Compute Graph Compiler enables full model graphs to run with native GPU performance. Advanced Shader Delivery allows game developers to provide precompiled shaders to reduce load times and stuttering. New APIs, App Identity API and Stats API, have been introduced to support this feature. NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm have expressed their support for these advancements. Additionally, Microsoft is developing DXR 2.0, which will support Shader Model 6.10 and is expected to roll out in late summer 2026.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Microsoft’s ‘Xbox mode’ is coming to every Windows 11 PC

Microsoft is merging Xbox and Windows, with the next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, set to support PC games, and its alpha phase starting in 2027. A new “Xbox mode” for all Windows 11 devices will launch in April. The Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) was previously available in preview since November 2025 for Windows Insider and Xbox Insider Program members. The Xbox Ally handhelds have received updates for improved reliability. At the 2026 Game Developers Conference, Microsoft announced Advanced Shader Delivery for developers to enhance game load times and hinted at reviving classic Xbox titles for PC. Additionally, advancements in DirectX and DirectStorage were discussed, along with updates on graphics debugging.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Microsoft to Make New ‘Xbox Mode’ Available on All Windows 11 PCs Next Month

Microsoft announced that the Xbox Full Screen Experience, now called "Xbox Mode," will be available for all Windows 11 PCs starting in April. This mode is designed for a controller-optimized experience, allowing users to browse their game library, launch titles, and switch applications while maintaining an immersive gaming environment. It will support various PC form factors and disable certain background tasks to enhance gaming performance. Additionally, Microsoft is expanding Advanced Shader Delivery for all game developers and enhancing its DirectX gaming API with machine learning advancements. The next generation of Xbox consoles, Project Helix, is expected to support four generations of Xbox games and PC games by 2027.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Microsoft’s full screen ‘Xbox Mode’ will roll out to Windows 11 PCs in April

Microsoft has introduced the full-screen Xbox experience, initially showcased on the ROG Ally Xbox handheld, as a strategic effort to rival Steam's Big Picture Mode. This Xbox interface, now called "Xbox Mode," will expand to all Windows 11 devices, including laptops and desktops, in April. Initially available in select markets, Xbox Mode is designed to enhance user interaction with Windows 11 devices, allowing players to browse their game library, launch games seamlessly, utilize the Game Bar, and switch between applications effortlessly. At the Game Developers Conference (GDC), Microsoft announced plans to distribute Project Helix systems to developers next year, which will run both PC and console games and leverage AMD’s next-generation technology. Additionally, Microsoft introduced the Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) system for developers, aimed at reducing shader stuttering, and upgraded DirectStorage technology to support Zstandard compression for improved game loading times. Developers will also gain insights into integrating next-generation Machine Learning within Microsoft's DirectX gaming API.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

GDC 2026: Announcing new tools and platform updates for Windows PC game developers

Windows 11 will introduce Xbox mode on all PC form factors in April, providing a full-screen gaming experience. Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) will be expanded to all game developers, allowing for improved shader management and reduced stutter. DirectStorage will enhance asset streaming and storage efficiency with new compression techniques. DirectX is evolving to support machine learning in graphics, with new capabilities for integrating neural techniques. Updates to DirectX and PIX tooling will include standardized methods for capturing GPU data, shader-level breakpoints, and a new Shader Explorer tool. Most features will enter preview in May 2026, with broader availability later in the year.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Microsoft’s answer to SteamOS will begin rolling out to all Windows 11 PC form factors starting soon

Xbox Mode will roll out on Windows 11 devices in April in select markets, with timing varying by region. Advanced Shader Delivery will be available to third-party game developers starting in May.

Winsage

December 9, 2025

Windows PC gaming in 2025: Handheld innovation, Arm progress and DirectX advances

Windows has been a key platform for PC gaming, evolving significantly by 2025 with advancements in handheld gaming and performance. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 Series processors, were introduced, enhancing handheld gaming experiences. The Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) was launched for these devices, optimizing gaming interfaces. Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) was implemented, reducing load times by over 80% for some titles. System-level performance improvements included tuned power management and lower CPU overhead. Windows also focused on Arm devices, enabling local game installations through the Xbox PC app and expanding compatibility with the Prism emulator. Native anti-cheat support was introduced for Arm devices, enhancing competitive gaming. DirectX 12 advancements included features that improved ray tracing performance by up to 2.3×. Bluetooth LE Audio support was added to enhance audio quality for gamers. Upcoming innovations include expanding FSE to more Windows devices, further ASD support, and a preview of Auto Super Resolution for improved visuals in games.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X Now Available Worldwide

The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld devices are now available in 45 countries, developed in collaboration with ASUS and AMD. These devices integrate the Xbox experience with Windows, allowing players to access their Xbox library, progress, friends, and achievements. Pre-orders are available through Xbox.com in the U.S. and through the ASUS eShop for other regions. The Xbox Ally features ergonomic grips and a new Xbox Full Screen Experience, with resources like a Getting Started guide and Gaming Copilot (Beta) for assistance. The Handheld Compatibility program includes titles such as Gears of War: Reloaded and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Players can enjoy over 1000 games via Xbox Play Anywhere, with over 55 new titles added last month. Select markets will receive three months of Xbox Game Pass Premium or PC Game Pass with their purchase. The devices are optimized for accessibility, catering to players with disabilities. Future updates will include Default Game Profiles for better performance and battery life, enhancements to the docking experience, and AI-powered features. Many innovations will be applicable across all Windows devices, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

Winsage

September 28, 2025

Microsoft’s Advanced Shader Delivery aims for a ‘console-quality’ experience on Windows

Microsoft has announced the launch of their Advanced Shader Delivery feature, set to debut on October 16th, coinciding with the release of the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. This feature aims to deliver a console-quality experience on Windows by distributing precompiled shaders during game downloads, eliminating in-game shader compilation stutter and long load times. Gamers who own the ROG Xbox Ally devices will receive precompiled shaders at download time for select titles, allowing them to start gaming faster. The feature is expected to enable players to enter games up to ten times faster, enjoy smoother gameplay, and benefit from improved battery life. Precompiled shaders will be updated whenever players download games or install new drivers.